Massena native helps Elmo Make Music

More than two dozen people from the Massena area are expected to find their way to Sesame Street in Syracuse when a traveling production begins its three-day run of fun and fur at the Landmark Theatre on Friday.

They particularly want to see Abby Cadabby, the Sesame Street character in Elmo Makes Music played by Massena native Cassie J. Vice, 22, daughter of Nora and Ricky W. Vice of Massena.

I have a very big family, Miss Vice said, and Syracuse is the closest city the production will stop in.

This is the second touring Sesame Street Live show Miss Vice has acted in. Two years ago, she played Elmo in 1-2-3 Imagine! With Elmo and Friends.

Miss Vice is a 2012 graduate of Point Park College in Pittsburgh, where she was a dance major with a jazz concentration. She got involved with the Sesame Street shows, produced by the Vee Corp., after a Point Park faculty member alerted her about an opening.

I went to the audition and got the job that day, Miss Vice said last week in a phone interview from New York City. It was a whirlwind.

Her Elmo Makes Music tour began in December. After its Syracuse run ends Sunday, it travels to Cleveland.

Sesame Street describes Abby Cadabby as a bright fairy-in-training who moved to Sesame Street from Fairyside, Queens.

The plot of Elmo and friends involves Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher who arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jennys new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover instruments they never knew existed.

The show basically shows children that you can make music with anything: jars, spoons, pots and pans, Miss Vice said. Life is full of music.

She added, Its a Broadway-style show with lots of lights and dancing. Its a lot of fun.

Elmo Makes Music features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that children may sing along with, such as C Is for Cookie and The Alphabet Song.

Adults will recognize such songs as The Hustle, You Should Be Dancing and Rockin Robin.

Miss Vice said she doesnt mind being in costume with the audience not seeing the real her.

But honestly, after being with Vee Corporation, Im very interested in the production side, she said. Id like to become a PD (production director) some day. Its an interest of mine to be in the PD spot where you have to be in charge of what the entire show looks like.

She said she hopes to stay with the Vee Corp., based in Minneapolis, for the immediate future.

We have people on tour who have been touring with Vee Corporation for 15 years, she said. Its a great company to work for. They treat you very well and its easy to stay with them.

Miss Vice said she wasnt too much of a Sesame Street child while growing up. But I did watch it eventually, she said. I never thought in a million years Id be doing this show.

the detailsWHAT: Elmo Makes MusicWHEN: 7 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. SundayWHERE: The Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., SyracuseCOST: Tickets are $15 and $20. A limited number of $25 Gold Circle seats and $50 Sunny Seats, which involve a meet and greet, are also available. A facility fee of $1.50 is added to all ticket prices.For more information/tickets, call the Landmark Theatre box office at 475-7980. Tickets also can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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